Riesling Alsace (France)
Rieslings from Alsace are known to display more body than Germany Riesling.
Riesling Flavors
 Lemon |
 Lime |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Peach |
 Nectarine |
 Apricot |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Steel |
 Minerals |
 Petroleum |
The Riesling grape is super aromatic.
Citrus, apple, and white fruit flavors are typical for Riesling. Hints of flowers, herbs, and steely minerals.
Warmer climates can add more peach and apricot notes.
Riesling Profile
Dry Riesling is fresh and fruity, almost perfumed.
The high acidity balances the sweetness (residual sugar).
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ACCOHOL: | 11-13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Riesling Food Pairing
Riesling is very food friendly. It pairs best with Seafood, Chicken, and Vegetables:
 Fish |
 Seafood |
 Shrimps |
 Sushi |
 Salmon |
 Chicken |
 Turkey |
 Pork |
 Salads |
 Vegetables |
 Asparagus |
 Soft Cheese |
Excellent Pairings
Seafood. Shellfish. Shrimps. Clams.
Fried Fish. Lemon based Sauces.
Sashimi. Sushi. Nori Rolls. Gravlax.
Roasted Chicken. Chicken Wings.
Lightly Smoked Meat. Pork. Ham. Turkey.
Alsatian Specialities
Flammkuchen (White Pizza).
Roast Pork with Mustard Sauce.
The Ideal Glass for Riesling
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A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings. The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Riesling Cheese Pairing
Pairing Tips
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
Add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Riesling.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Riesling.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Hard Cheeses
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
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About Riesling
Riesling thrives best in cool climates, where it can ripe into the late fall. In hot climates, Riesling generally loses its fine, delicate flavors.
Riesling is in many ways opposite to Chardonnay. Good Riesling is fresh and sour with medium fullness, moderate alcohol, delicate aromas, and no oak.
To appreciate Riesling, a certain tolerance for acid should be worked up. Riesling has a much more exciting aroma profile than Chadonnay, and it also possesses great elegance and finesse.
Dry Riesling is primarily a food wine. Alone, the wines may seem a little sour.
The best Rieslinges come from Germany, Alsace in France, Austria, Northern Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
You can read more about Riesling world wide at Riesling Regions.
Riesling in Alsace
Alsace was once a part of Germany, and Rieslings from the two regions have much in common, but they also have differences, based on climate, terroir, and winemaking.
Alsace is more south than the German Riesling regions (Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz). In Alsace the growing period is longer, the grapes produces more sugar, and the wines becomes more full bodied and more aromatic.
Alsace Wine Production in Hectares
Alsace is dominated by white wine. 90% of all Alsace wine is white.
The most famous sparkling wine is Crémant de Alsace
| Grape | 1969 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Riesling | 1200 | 3350 |
| 2. Pinot Blanc | 1040 | 3320 |
| 3. Gewürztraminer | 1950 | 3150 |
| 4. Pinot Gris | 390 | 2460 |
| 5. Pinot Noir | 200 | 1670 |
| 6. Sylvaner | 2580 | 920 |
| 7. Muscat | 340 | 350 |
| 8. Chardonnay | 0 | 200 |
| 9. Chasselas | 1000 | 70 |
| Total | 9440 | 15600 |
Source: Conseil Interprofessional Vins d’Alsace.
